Opinion:
The Cost Of Martial Arts Training

By Christopher Caile

Too often I read disparaging comments by martial artists about others
who they perceive as charging too much for lessons, equating them to some
sort of monetary vampires who are impure and who betray the principles
of their art. This view, I believe, is misplaced.

That's not to say I don't applaud those who teach for free, or almost
free. I've done it myself. Over the years I have taught in YMCAs, in community
programs and at a University. I have also studied a variety of arts in
this way.

But there is also often a cost to free or very low cost classes. The
teacher is not supporting himself or herself through the art. The consequences
often include part-time instruction, difficult time schedules, and shared
or borrowed locations that can change. And if the teacher gets a new job,
has kids, gets married or his work hours change, watch out. Personally,
there has been more than one instance in which my study of a martial art
has abruptly ended because my instructor suddenly had new priorities and/or
financial demands.

There is also the matter of perceived value. At one time I taught a free
community evening karate program outside Washington, D.C., but I had trouble
retaining students. One of the program directors suggested I start charging.
I did, and student enrollment and retention dramatically increased --
students felt that by paying, they were getting something of value.

Students also benefited in other ways. An income allowed the purchase
of kicking and punching pads and other equipment that facilitated training.
And, I must admit, a few extra dollars in my pocket also helped. It showed
me that my program had value. It also covered a little of my own teaching
expenses.

On the other extreme are those martial artists who seek the very difficult
path of trying to make a living from their art. They fully dedicate themselves
to their teaching and further training. This is not an easy path, especially
for those who have a spouse and family to support, to say nothing of paying
for their school location, insurance and/or assisting instructors. So
why disparage these professionals? They have to charge to support themselves
and their school.

In return students get well maintained practice areas, locker rooms and
workout equipment. These benefits costs the student. There are no guarantees,
but in return they are more likely to get stability and continuity of
teaching. Moreover, even in expensive schools most teachers I know make
special arrangements for dedicated students who can't afford the normal
fee. In my Seido karate headquarters, for example, there are work/study
programs where students work in return for their training. Very few good
teachers, I think, will turn away good, dedicated students for lack of
money.

Thus the real issue, I think, is not what is charged, but what is given
in return.

If you go to a doctor, the one time fee can easily run a $100, or much,
much more if there is continued treatment. Likewise, if you decide to
take music or skating lessons, the cost can be substantial. And if you
decide to go back to school, the costs can run into the thousands of dollars
per semester. So, what are you complaining about when martial arts teachers
or schools charge?

I know what you are thinking -- that money is the root of a lot of martial
arts politics, ego and other evils. And yes, there are those who abuse
the system, concentrating more on business and income than on the art
they represent. But there are also a lot of honest, dedicated teachers
who work hard to make a living from doing what they love.

If you teach quality martial arts for free, I applaud you. But don't
complain about others who must charge. And as a student, if you find free,
quality instruction, feel appreciative. But also recognize the worth of
other instructors who charge a fee.

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About the Author:

Christopher Caile is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of
FightingArts.com. He has been a student of the martial arts for over 40
years and holds a 6th degree black belt in Seido Karate and has experience
in judo, aikido, diato-ryu, boxing, Itto-Ryu Kenjutsu and several Chinese
fighting arts. He is also a long-term student of one branch of Traditional
Chinese Medicine, Qigong. He is a personal disciple of the qi gong master
and teacher of acupuncture Dr. Zaiwen Shen (M.D., Ph.D.) and is Vice-President
of the DS International Chi Medicine Association.